Pioneer Council seek volunteer drivers

The Mineral County Pioneer Council is hoping to find more volunteers to help with their transportation program.

The program helps local elderly residents who can’t drive, get to medical appointments, grocery store, visits to spouses living in nursing homes, job interviews and cultural events.

Currently, the program has four volunteers who drive a bus with routes to Plains, Missoula, Kellogg and from the west end to Superior. One problem with the program is that the drivers themselves are elderly and some new, younger drivers are needed.

According to council members, if new drivers are not found there is concern that the program would cease to exist. Drivers don’t need a CDL license to volunteer, however, they do need a valid Montana driver’s license and a clean driving record. Volunteers also receive training on the proper securement of wheelchairs and operation of the bus.

“The vast majority of the people we help are friendly and we have good conversations. I like it because it’s something I can do to help my neighbors,” said Dennis Christensen, who is a volunteer driver and dispatcher for the program.

Thelma Nelson, who is 83 years-old and lives in St. Regis, regularly uses the program and said that she can’t drive to Missoula anymore and that this program gives her the ability to give up her keys without giving up her independence and allows her to continue to live in her community around friends and family.

The Pioneer Council Board also receives many requests for in-county trips, for example someone living in St. Regis may need a ride to the local clinic or grocery store in Superior. Oftentimes, these types of requests have to be denied because there are not enough drivers to add a 24-hour notice service. If the council can garner more drivers for the program, they may look at raising funds to purchase a minivan for residents who need to make local trips.

“My mother and I live in different communities. I’m a small business owner and it is very difficult for me to drive over 70 miles one way in order to take my mother to medical appointments, let alone grocery shopping. Public transportation allows my mother to keep her independence and her support network of friends. It provides her with security and peace of mind knowing she has an option, if she needs it. It helps both of us because she doesn’t feel she is imposing on me, and because I don’t have to worry about her driving,” said Jackie Stermitz, who lives in Florence.

For more program information call Pat Liston at (406) 280-0167.